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Anya Taylor-Joy’s 13 Best Movies and TV Show Performances, Ranked

From spellbinding dramas to high-octane blockbusters, discover why Anya Taylor-Joy is Hollywood’s ultimate chameleon.

Anya Taylor-Joy
Getty Images

Anya Taylor-Joy has become one of the most captivating stars of her generation, delivering unforgettable performances across film and television. Her striking looks, magnetic screen presence, and transformative acting skills have earned her critical acclaim and a massive fan following. From period dramas to post-apocalyptic thrillers, Taylor-Joy continues to push boundaries with every role she takes on. Here, we rank her 13 best performances that showcase her immense talent and versatility.

13. New Mutants (2020)

Magik Anya Taylor-Joy
20th Century Studios

In this superhero-horror hybrid, Anya Taylor-Joy takes on the role of Illyana Rasputin, also known as Magik. As a powerful mutant with teleportation abilities and a haunting backstory, Taylor-Joy brings a fierce energy to the film. Her portrayal captures Illyana’s tough exterior and emotional depth, making her one of the most intriguing characters in the ensemble. Despite the film’s mixed reception, Taylor-Joy’s commanding presence and sharp delivery were universally praised, solidifying her as a standout in the X-Men universe.

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12. Emma (2020)

Anya Taylor-Joy Emma
Focus Features

Anya Taylor-Joy dazzles as the titular character in this adaptation of Jane Austen’s beloved novel. She brings a fresh perspective to Emma Woodhouse, a privileged yet well-meaning matchmaker whose meddling creates chaos in her community. Taylor-Joy expertly balances Emma’s vanity and vulnerability, making her one of the most endearing portrayals of the character. The film’s lush visuals and witty dialogue complement her radiant performance.

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11. Glass (2019)

Anya Taylor-Joy Glass
Universal Pictures

Reprising her role as Casey Cooke from Split, Anya Taylor-Joy holds her own alongside cinematic heavyweights like James McAvoy and Bruce Willis. In Glass, she explores Casey’s resilience and compassion, standing as a moral compass in a world of superhuman conflicts. Her ability to convey deep empathy while navigating a complex narrative adds layers to this gripping psychological thriller.

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10. Dune: Part Two (2024)

Anya Taylor-Joy Dune: Part Two
Warner Bros. Pictures

In the highly anticipated sequel to Denis Villeneuve’s Dune, Anya Taylor-Joy joins the star-studded cast as a key player in the unfolding epic. As a powerful and enigmatic character, Taylor-Joy delivers a performance that is both haunting and commanding, perfectly complementing the saga’s grandiose storytelling. Her portrayal elevates the emotional stakes, solidifying her place in the pantheon of science fiction icons.

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9. The Menu (2022)

Anya Taylor-Joy The Menu
Searchlight Pictures

Anya Taylor-Joy serves up a deliciously sharp performance as Margot, a skeptical diner who finds herself entangled in a sinister culinary experience. Her grounded portrayal provides the perfect counterbalance to the film’s absurdly dark humor and horror elements. Taylor-Joy’s ability to switch from sarcastic wit to sheer terror makes her stand out in this biting social satire.

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8. Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga (2024)

Anya Taylor-Joy Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga
Warner Bros. Pictures

Taking on the iconic role of Furiosa in George Miller’s Mad Max prequel, Anya Taylor-Joy delivers a ferocious and transformative performance. As a younger version of the character made famous by Charlize Theron, she brings a fresh intensity and emotional depth to the post-apocalyptic warrior. Taylor-Joy’s commitment to the physically demanding role cements her as a formidable action star.

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7. Last Night in Soho (2021)

Anya Taylor-Joy Last Night in Soho
Focus Features

In this psychological thriller, Taylor-Joy plays Sandie, a glamorous yet tragic figure in 1960s London. Her magnetic presence and haunting vulnerability bring a mesmerizing allure to the film’s time-traveling mystery. Taylor-Joy’s ethereal performance lingers long after the credits roll, solidifying her as one of Edgar Wright’s most memorable muses.

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6. Peaky Blinders (2019-2022)

Anya Taylor-Joy Peaky Blinders
BBC

As Gina Gray in the critically acclaimed series Peaky Blinders, Anya Taylor-Joy exudes cunning and sophistication. Her performance as the ambitious and manipulative wife of Michael Gray adds a new layer of intrigue to the Shelby family drama. Taylor-Joy’s commanding screen presence makes Gina one of the most compelling characters in the later seasons.

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5. Thoroughbreds (2017)

Anya Taylor-Joy Thoroughbreds
Focus Features

Anya Taylor-Joy delivers a chilling performance as Lily, a wealthy teenager with a dark side, in this stylish thriller. Her dynamic chemistry with co-star Olivia Cooke elevates the film, as the duo navigates a morally ambiguous tale of manipulation and murder. Taylor-Joy’s understated yet powerful performance showcases her knack for complex and morally grey characters.

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4. The Witch (2015)

Anya Taylor-Joy The Witch
A24

Anya Taylor-Joy’s breakout role as Thomasin in Robert Eggers’ chilling folk horror film showcased her ability to carry a movie with sheer talent. Her portrayal of a young girl accused of witchcraft in 17th-century New England is as unsettling as it is heartbreaking. Taylor-Joy’s nuanced performance grounds the supernatural terror in emotional realism, leaving an indelible mark on the genre.

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3. Split (2016)

Split
Universal Pictures

Taylor-Joy’s role as Casey Cooke in this M. Night Shyamalan thriller revealed her ability to shine in high-stakes, emotionally charged scenarios. Opposite James McAvoy’s chilling portrayal of Kevin and his multiple personalities, Taylor-Joy holds her own, delivering a performance full of subtle strength and emotional depth. Casey’s harrowing journey is unforgettable, thanks to Taylor-Joy’s remarkable range.

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2. The Northman (2022)

Anya Taylor-Joy The Northman
Focus Features

In Robert Eggers’ epic Viking revenge saga, Taylor-Joy shines as Olga, a mysterious sorceress and ally to Alexander Skarsgård’s Amleth. Her ethereal presence and fierce determination make Olga a captivating figure in the brutal, blood-soaked tale. Taylor-Joy’s performance is both haunting and empowering, anchoring the film’s mythic narrative with emotional resonance.

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1. The Queen’s Gambit (2020)

Anya Taylor-Joy
Netflix

In this Emmy-winning series, Anya Taylor-Joy delivers a career-defining performance as Beth Harmon, a chess prodigy battling personal demons. Her portrayal of Beth’s journey from orphaned child to world champion is nothing short of extraordinary. Taylor-Joy’s ability to convey vulnerability and steely determination captivated audiences worldwide, cementing her status as a household name.

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